This Easy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and delicious stir-fry that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a takeout-style meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
Customizable: Adjust the sauce or add extra veggies to make it your own.
One-Pan Dish: Less cleanup makes this even more appealing for busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stir-Fry

1 pound top sirloin steak, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups broccoli florets

For the Sauce

½ cup water
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Prepare Ingredients
- Trim any fat from the sirloin steak and slice it thinly across the grain into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine all sauce ingredients (water, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger) and whisk thoroughly.
Cook the Broccoli
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
Sear the Beef
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Spread the beef in a single layer in the pan and let it sear for 1 minute without touching.
- Stir and flip the beef with tongs, cooking for another minute. The beef should still be slightly rare to prevent it from becoming tough.
Combine and Finish
- Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir and toss until everything is well-coated and the sauce thickens, about 1-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Options: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and variety.
Protein Alternatives: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked stir-fry for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

2. What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Top sirloin is ideal, but flank steak or ribeye are great alternatives.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prep the beef and broccoli, and mix the sauce in advance. Cook everything fresh for the best results.

4. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Slice the beef thinly across the grain and cook it quickly over high heat.

5. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

You can omit sesame oil or use a neutral oil like vegetable oil, though sesame oil adds authentic flavor.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

7. What’s the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style texture.

8. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be used.

9. What’s the best side dish for this recipe?

Serve over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

10. Can I use other oils for cooking?

Yes, vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil work well for high-heat cooking.

Conclusion

Easy Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without the wait. With its tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with rice or noodles, and enjoy a homemade takeout classic!